Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

A part of my mission of as Assistant Dean and Director of Biomaterials has been to foster an inclusive department where everyone’s opinions are valued. I have personally mentored over 200 students from 40 different countries as well as worked with faculty and company representatives throughout the world.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are separate parts of a multi-faceted approach to addressing issues of discrimination. All three components are important to promulgating a vibrant and welcoming workplace. While having a diverse workplace with people of various races, genders, orientations, and nationalities, is in and of itself important, simply having a broad spectrum is insufficient. Everyone must be treated with equality and feel welcome in the community. I have stressed to my family, students, faculty, and staff that all people have equal rights and must be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Why should diversity be valued? Numerous studies have shown that it is particularly important to create a variety of opinions and viewpoints. Diversity has been shown to improve creativity, help develop unique problem-solving approaches, improve professional development, and be more responsive to the needs of the community. It is important to create an environment where everyone feels valued and they belong. Celebrating differences helps reinforce the importance of a diverse environment to improve representation of underrepresented groups.
The research community has often struggled with attaining a diverse representation. I have encouraged and worked with a diverse cohort of students to enter into academic careers. Many of the students who have studied in my department have gone on to become faculty at dental schools throughout the world including, Deans, chairs, and directors at Universities in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe.
Research is fundamental to developing new modalities for patient treatment and validation of proposed systems and techniques to improve clinical outcomes. With a more diverse population, we are better able to achieve the goals of research, education, and ultimately patient care.

• BU Research
• NIH RePORTER Research

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